EU bypasses Hungary's veto to fund Ukrainian defense with Russian assets

- This is an unprecedented decision. Hungary will assume the EU presidency from 1 July, so time will tell how it will end - says Professor Bogdan Góralczyk in an interview with Wirtualna Polska, commenting on the EU's decision to transfer profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, against Budapest's stance.

The European Union has found a way to bypass Hungary's veto on aid to Ukraine. It concerns the profits generated by frozen Russian money, which are to be used to purchase weapons for the defending country. These funds will be transferred to Kyiv as part of a specially created Ukraine Assistance Fund.

To achieve this, a particular legal procedure was applied. According to this procedure, Hungary cannot decide on the transfer of these funds as it abstained from voting on the establishment of the Fund. In the first tranche alone, at least €1.2 billion is earmarked for ammunition and air defence.

- This is an unprecedented decision - says Professor Bogdan Góralczyk to Wirtualna Polska. The former ambassador to Asian countries and diplomat in Hungary doubts whether this mechanism will prove effective. He emphasizes that Budapest is vehemently opposed to this decision and is looking for ways to challenge the EU member states' decision.

If these decisions are implemented, Hungary will indeed be "defeated," but Minister Szijjarto's statement shows that Budapest is exceptionally "combative," says Professor Góralczyk. The political scientist quotes Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who said that "never before has there been such a shameless violation and disregard for common European principles."

The expert believes that the decision regarding Hungary is delayed, and the timing of such decisions is unfavourable for at least two reasons. - We are after the elections; the European Commission is in a state of suspension - "it is only on paper". Hungary will take over the chairmanship and presidency of the European Union on 1 July. I suspect Viktor Orban will want to exploit this situation. I think he will do everything to gain something for himself again. This complicates the situation - assesses Professor Bogdan Góralczyk.